The most difficult part of the past year for everyone at Pleasant View has been the inability to welcome family members and friends into the community.
“The hardest thing we’ve had to endure throughout COVID was watching our residents miss the hugs and visits from the people they love most,” said Melissa Frownfelter, Vice President of Operations at Pleasant View Communities. “But we know it’s nothing compared to the heartbreak our families experienced when we were forced to close our doors during the COVID outbreak.”
The good news, however, is that the state has started to loosen criteria around safe visitation, allowing Pleasant View to begin to ease its visitation restrictions.
“We’re finally ready to begin welcoming families back in and giving residents quality time with their loved ones,” Melissa said. “But, for everyone’s safety, we’re still being cautious in our approach.”
New Guidelines from the PA Department of Health in Late March are Easing Some Restrictions
“It was heartbreaking for all of us when we were mandated to close our skilled nursing and personal care facilities to all visitors back in March of last year,” Melissa said. “We’ve worked each day since to create the safest environment possible in order to bring our residents’ loved ones back into our community.”
Over the past 12 months, federal and state governing agencies have issued and/or updated their COVID-19 guidelines more than 100 times. Pleasant View kept pace with every update, always making sure the latest and most accurate data about the virus drove decision-making and campus policies.
While it’s too early to say the worst is behind us, the latest federal and state guidelines ease many of the restrictions that were making it difficult for residents to spend time with family.
“Human connection is so important for the wellbeing of our residents,” Melissa said. “Something as simple as a hug has an incredible impact on our health. During the past year, we’ve strived to maintain the delicate balance between keeping our residents safe but also recognizing the importance families have on our residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing.”
What to Know Before You Visit Pleasant View this Spring
Visitor Requirements at Pleasant View
When guests arrive on campus to visit a family member or loved one in one of our skilled nursing or personal care units, they’ll be required to do the following:
- Answer a Series of COVID-19 Screening Questions
- Wear a Well-Fitting Mask
- Sanitize Their Hands
- Take a Temperature Check
Check Our Website’s COVID-19 Update Page for the Latest Visitation Guidelines
Staff and Residents are Getting Vaccinated
Pleasant View has held multiple COVID-19 vaccination clinics for both residents and staff. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines has made a huge difference in allowing us to safely welcome guests back to Pleasant View.
“As vaccines become more widely available in our local communities, we’re growing more optimistic that the worst of this is behind us,” Melissa said. “We are, however, watching the county positivity rates as they can impact our ability to offer visitation.”
Even with Vaccinations, Pleasant View Still Has Mitigation Efforts in Place
Currently, all staff members are tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis. The outcomes of the routine testing as well as the COVID-19 county positivity rates dictate the frequency of future testing.
Families are Encouraged to Visit Their Loved Ones
Because government restrictions are easing and Pleasant View has a series of mitigation efforts in place, we want to see family members return.
Jonathan Hollinger, President & CEO of Pleasant View Communities, is encouraging families to visit and celebrate milestones that may have been missed during the pandemic and find joy in being together again.
“This past year has been heartbreaking for all of us, most of all our residents and families,” Jonathan said. “We’ve seen so many residents struggle with the mental and emotional impact of being separated from loved ones; not being able to touch, hug or see their smiles.”
Jonathan, like his staff, believes it’s time to prioritize the mental health and happiness of residents; and this can happen while still keeping residents safe.
“The easing of state-imposed restrictions on visitation is a welcomed change and, hopefully, a sign that we’re moving closer towards a full reopening of visitation at Pleasant View,” he said. “We want to see families back in our community and the joy in our residents’ eyes when they get to see their loved ones after such a long time apart.”
More than ever, we want to welcome families back to visit their loved ones at Pleasant View Communities. We look forward to seeing you soon.
